On this 2nd Sunday of Advent let’s look into why Mary and Joseph ended up in Bethlehem for the birth of their son, Jesus. Their faith and perseverance are a testimony to an essential piece of the story God had written. The travel conditions were harsh and the back of a donkey was no place for a woman who was nine months pregnant but it was necessary. The pause from here to there allowed Mary and Joseph the time to prepare for all that was to come.
I read the account of Jesus’ birth in Luke and see the miracle of this story. I also know I would not have endured that night as gracefully, tenderly or successfully as Mary.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while[a]Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:1-7.
I imagine the time Mary and Joseph spent traveling together was one of quiet, deep heart work. The thought of what was about to happen was not far from their minds. They needed the space to align their internal emotions with all that was happening on the outside.
[Tweet “How will you align your inside and outside emotions during Advent like Mary and Joseph?”]
The 2nd Sunday of Advent reminds me that until I let God do the deep heart work for me I am not ready to travel. Preparing and allowing God to refine who I am requires a stillness that I don’t always feel. I want to reach Christmas day knowing that God left the perfect gift for me and I am ready to receive it. But in this time of in-between, I want to open my heart to receiving the redemption and grace that comes from Jesus. And on the days I am struggling against my weakness, I pray I remember Jesus has won the battle and I fight on the ground of His victory.
Today’s Advent reflection looks at the challenge to embrace quiet and stillness as part of our daily routine. Will you join me in the challenge? What does quiet stillness look like for you and how is God using the time you give Him?
Sabbath blessings! May you find stillness throughout your week!
The music at the beginning of the video was written by my son, Nick Geisen.
Last weekend, my website was down so you can catch up on the 1st Sunday of Advent here.
I’ve been so enjoying my morning, stillness, Mary. I also have been taking time for Him, going back to the simple scriptures. (Just following 1 devotional, more to center and focus my mind than anything!) Thanks for your encouragement. I’m trying to keep that attitude of stillness throughout the day!
love your video!
It is such a gift to give yourself that time, isn’t it? There is something about simplicity that allows more space for God. Thank you for being here and glad you enjoyed the video. (God loves to change things up and He is with me doing videos!)
Quite the life-changing challenge, Mary! I don’t do sitting in silence well either. But this is the essence of Advent and it is one I wish to experience in my own life. Thank you for this perfect message and encouragement today.
Thank you for encouraging me right back. I pray we both find that place of stillness and in the process feel God’s presence throughout every pore. Love you!
I love that you’re visiting with us this way, Mary.
I’m appreciating advent more than ever this year … my schedule has cleared out, there’s not much hubbub and craziness, and there’s plenty of time to be still, just like you’ve talked about.
I love being still. It’s my salvation. I just hope it’s more than laziness, y’know?
Thanks for speaking into our lives this season. It’s a blessing ..
I am not ready to travel until God has done His deep work within my heart. That’s what I’m contemplating in this stillness you have directed me too. Thank you!
When I think of how Mary’s heart was centered on what was about to happen and Joseph even came alongside, I know I need to keep my focus on God in order to be ready for what He has for me. So glad to have you here Lynn!
Something so many of us are not good at. I want to be better about being still too.
I pray this week you find yourself in places where God just sits with you in the quiet. What a gift that would be!
Mary,
I didn’t make it to church this am. After 3 weeks of pneumonia I developed a stomach virus this weekend. Be still is not an option for me, but a mandate!! Your message was the perfect sermon today. Oh how God just wants us…not what we do for him or to impress him, but just to spend time, as we are, in his presence. I am joining you in the challenge to just sit in his presence and be with him this Advent…beautiful!!
Advent blessings,
Bev xx
I’m sure that your reasons for being still are not what you wished for but I pray you heal quickly. You have been through so much in the last few months.
God cherishes time with us and I want to honor Him in that. I’m glad to have you here with me on this journey. I pray we both find quiet stillness with God throughout this week.
And, oh, I loved the music that your son wrote at the beginning of the clip! 🙂
I will let him know! 🙂
Yes! Thank you for confirming what the Lord keeps speaking to me, every time the anxiety of how to get everything accomplished weighs too heavy. HE is here waiting for me to meet and rest in Him. Blessings to you!
I am glad God is speaking to you through these words today. I imagine He wants so much for you and needs you to slow down a little that He can sit with you. I pray you find those quiet moments this week.
Yes! I feel like I am soaking up and storing up energy, taking stock, and in the new year I want to be born again.
Thank you for being here today, David! I pray you find the time to soak in and store up this week. May you find God in the new year.
What spoke to me this morning, Mary, as I watched your video is the importance of making space for God to speak. We could literally spend every minute of our days reading other peoples’ words about Jesus’ coming — and they’re all so good that it’s a temptation to fill ourselves up on them! But I want to make space for Jesus in the silence of a few moments. So thank you for the challenge, Mary, and for encouraging this mindfulness.
I am good at making time for quiet but I don’t always give God the space to answer the many questions I throw at Him. I also lose the quiet when my to do lists begin to creep in. Thank you for being here. Praying we find those quiet moments and allow God to speak into us.